the only thing I really had an issue with is the linebacker pick. He's no different than Jasper Brinkley.

Dang, I'll correct that

I disagree on Nico - had the same pre-conceptions about him going into the Senior Bowl, but that guy showed he can stay on the field for all three downs during that week. He showed some fluid movement in coverage, I was pleasantly surprised. Many analysts commented the same thing - I think his performances did a lot for his draft stock.

the only thing I really had an issue with is the linebacker pick. He's no different than Jasper Brinkley.

Dang, I'll correct that

I disagree on Nico - had the same pre-conceptions about him going into the Senior Bowl, but that guy showed he can stay on the field for all three downs during that week. He showed some fluid movement in coverage, I was pleasantly surprised. Many analysts commented the same thing - I think his performances did a lot for his draft stock.

The big thing about the Vikings scheme is they need the MLB to get deep in coverage, 10-15 yards downfield to cut the middle off between the Safety. Johnson may have solid skills for most coverage assignments in typical defenses, but what the Vikings require from its MLB is very atypical in terms of coverage assignments. A MLB is a key piece to the Tampa 2 and having a guy with great range, athleticism and instincts is completely necessary.

I view Johnson as a fit for a down hill style of defense while being a player who can stayo n the field for three downs in more typical zone assignments. The Vikings need a true athlete at MLB so I see little upside with Johnson.

Now, Johnson could be a two down MLB allowing a more athletic WLB to move into the nickel MLB role. The Vikings did that more in 2011 when EJ Henderson was in the middle in base and Erin Henderson moved to the middle in nickel. It didnt work out well because neither Henderson had any ability and Nico Johnson appears to be too similar to those players. He would be a two down player in the Vikes defense.

If it were up to me, I would put a third Safety as the MLB in nickel and dime sets when I know a run play wont be called. Its so hard to find a MLB to have the kind of range needed to run this type of defense. A Safety wouldnt have much issue.

the only thing I really had an issue with is the linebacker pick. He's no different than Jasper Brinkley.

Dang, I'll correct that

I disagree on Nico - had the same pre-conceptions about him going into the Senior Bowl, but that guy showed he can stay on the field for all three downs during that week. He showed some fluid movement in coverage, I was pleasantly surprised. Many analysts commented the same thing - I think his performances did a lot for his draft stock.

The big thing about the Vikings scheme is they need the MLB to get deep in coverage, 10-15 yards downfield to cut the middle off between the Safety. Johnson may have solid skills for most coverage assignments in typical defenses, but what the Vikings require from its MLB is very atypical in terms of coverage assignments. A MLB is a key piece to the Tampa 2 and having a guy with great range, athleticism and instincts is completely necessary.

I view Johnson as a fit for a down hill style of defense while being a player who can stayo n the field for three downs in more typical zone assignments. The Vikings need a true athlete at MLB so I see little upside with Johnson.

Now, Johnson could be a two down MLB allowing a more athletic WLB to move into the nickel MLB role. The Vikings did that more in 2011 when EJ Henderson was in the middle in base and Erin Henderson moved to the middle in nickel. It didnt work out well because neither Henderson had any ability and Nico Johnson appears to be too similar to those players. He would be a two down player in the Vikes defense.

If it were up to me, I would put a third Safety as the MLB in nickel and dime sets when I know a run play wont be called. Its so hard to find a MLB to have the kind of range needed to run this type of defense. A Safety wouldnt have much issue.